Rhodes: Boat Tour with Snorkeling, Gourmet Buffet & Open Bar

Thinking about exploring Rhodes by sea? This boat tour aboard a traditional Greek Caique promises a relaxing day with plenty of opportunities to swim, savor authentic food, and enjoy unlimited drinks. We’ve reviewed the experience based on detailed reviews and the tour’s itinerary to give you a full picture.

What we love about this tour:

• The well-organized, allocated seating ensures you won’t be battling for space.
• The gourmet Greek buffet, highlighting fresh, local ingredients—including seafood—makes for a satisfying meal.
• The snorkeling stops at scenic bays and beaches are perfect for a refreshing dip.
• The open bar with wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks keeps spirits high throughout the day.

A potential consideration is the swimming to shore from the boat—so bringing your swimwear, towels, and sunscreen is essential. It’s best suited to travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic cruising, water activities, good food, and lively but relaxed atmosphere.

Key Points

• Comfortable, reserved seating means a more relaxed experience with no overbookings.
• Multiple scenic stops allow plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up the views.
• Gourmet buffet offers a range of options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.
• Unlimited drinks and signature cocktails make for a lively, social vibe.
• Experienced crew members like Captain George and others are praised for their helpfulness and friendliness.
• Flexible cancellation policy—reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Rhodes Boat Tour

Starting off at Mandraki Port

Your day begins at the historic Mandraki port, where the crew — easily spotted in blue shorts and red-striped shirts — welcomes you aboard the Romantika. The first thing that catches your eye is the boat itself: a classic wooden Caique exuding charm and tradition. As we push off around 10 am, you’ll notice the crew’s professionalism, setting the tone for a smooth, enjoyable day.

The cruise along Rhodes’ east coast provides a fantastic vantage point of landmarks like St. Nicholas Fortress, the Medieval Old City, and the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist. The views from the water offer a fresh perspective that’s a hit with nearly all reviewers, who comment on how beautiful and unique the coastline looks from the deck.

Scenic stops and water activities

The first stop is Kalithea Bay, a natural gem famed for its seaside monument, blending nature, architecture, and history. You’ll have around an hour here, which is enough time to swim, snorkel, explore the rocky shoreline, or just relax on the deck with some music and drinks. Reviewers like Diana mention the “beautiful views and amazing food,” but also appreciate the ample time to enjoy the water without feeling rushed.

Next, the boat heads south past Faliraki towards Afandou, a 4 km stretch of beach famous for the Caves of Traganou. The crew provides snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and swim aids, making it easy to float and explore. Many reviews highlight how enjoyable the swimming stops are, with Richard noting the “fun trip to three beautiful beaches,” and Sandra calling it a “superb boat tour” with wonderful staff and great water activities.

The gourmet Greek buffet

Midday, the boat anchors again for a delicious buffet lunch prepared onboard by Chef Diamantis. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and variety of the food—from fresh seafood to vegetarian and gluten-free options—recognizing it as a highlight. Jenny mentions the “good food,” and others note that the lunch is filling enough to sustain you through the afternoon.

The on-board menu is carefully curated, with traditional Greek recipes, fine wines from Rhodes wineries, and ice-cold beers. The atmosphere is lively, with the crew offering snacks and aperitifs as the boat cruises along. Many guests, like Spencer, find the drinks and food to be “delicious,” with the unlimited cocktails adding a festive touch.

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Visiting Anthony Quinn Bay and late afternoon fun

The final stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, famous for its stunning scenery, towering rocks, and clear waters. The bay’s connection to the actor Anthony Quinn, who fell in love with it during filming, adds a charming story. Here, guests can swim, explore the caves, or just relax on the deck while enjoying cocktails or Greek spirits like Ouzo and Masticha. Reviewers like Jess mention the “brilliant trip,” noting the “great scenery and perfect water”.

As the cruise winds down, the crew plays lively music, encouraging dancing and even Zorba dancing, which many find adds to the authentic Greek vibe. The return to Mandraki port is around 4 pm, leaving plenty of time to reflect on the day’s adventures.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Cruise Experience

Unlike large, crowded boat trips, this cruise offers reserved, comfortable seating, which many reviews highlight as a major plus. The boat’s classic design and spacious decks provide ample space to relax, sunbathe, or find a shady spot. The sound system delivers good music that complements the scenic rides without overwhelming the experience.

Water-based Fun

The stops at Kalithea Bay, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay are well-chosen for their natural beauty and water clarity. Many guests, including Diana and Richard, mention how the snorkeling gear and swim aids make it easy to enjoy the underwater scenery. Because swimming to shore is the only way to reach these beaches, bringing your own towels and sun protection is advised.

Food and Drinks

The gourmet buffet is a real highlight, often praised as more than just a basic meal. It features fresh ingredients, seafood, and vegetarian options, catering to various dietary needs. The unlimited drinks—including wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages—keep the mood lively, especially during the longer cruising sections.

The Crew and Service

Reviewer feedback emphasizes the helpfulness and friendliness of staff like Captain George, Alexander, and other crew members, who go out of their way to ensure everyone’s comfort and enjoyment. Their knowledge, professionalism, and humor are often highlighted as key ingredients in the tour’s success.

Value for Money

At $93 per person, this tour offers a lot—multiple scenic stops, a high-quality lunch, unlimited drinks, and a full day of water activities and sightseeing. Many reviews describe it as “great value,” especially considering the quality of food and drinks, and the personalized experience.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Reserve your spot early to secure preferred seating, especially the front deck, which is praised for its view.
• Bring essentials: comfortable shoes for walking, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Swimming to shore is part of the experience, so be prepared with your gear and waterproof essentials.
• Arrive early at Mandraki port to get a good spot and settle comfortably.
• If you’re celebrating a special day or just want a lively, social atmosphere, this tour’s fun vibe and crew will make it memorable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise suits culture and water lovers who want a blend of scenic cruising, beach time, and delicious food. It’s perfect for couples, friends, and families looking for a relaxed yet lively day out. If you enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, unlimited drinks, and stunning coastal views, you’ll find this tour hits the mark.

Travelers who prefer a more intimate experience and appreciate friendly service will also find this trip appealing, especially given the positive reviews about the crew’s helpfulness and atmosphere.

FAQs

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes reserved seating, a Greek gourmet buffet, an open bar with wine, beer, cocktails, water, and non-alcoholic drinks, snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and swim aids.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes, the buffet offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring dietary needs are taken into account.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and swim aids are provided on board, making it easy to enjoy the underwater stops without extra gear.

Is hotel pickup available?
Not included in the package but can be arranged at an additional cost depending on your hotel’s location.

What is the best time to book?
Book early to get the desired seating, especially if you want the front deck. The tour runs from 10 am to about 4 pm, making it a full, enjoyable day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Final Thoughts

This Rhodes boat tour offers a well-rounded day filled with scenic views, water fun, authentic Greek cuisine, and lively social vibes. The attention to comfort with reserved seating and the quality of the food and drinks make it stand out as great value for money.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want to enjoy a mix of sightseeing and relaxation, with plenty of opportunity to swim, take photos, and indulge in Greek flavors. The knowledgeable crew and positive reviews from previous travelers underscore that this experience will likely leave you happy, sun-kissed, and with memories to cherish.

Whether you’re celebrating, seeking a laid-back day on the water, or simply wanting to see Rhodes from a different perspective, this cruise ticks a lot of boxes—and leaves plenty of room for fun and unwinding.

You can check availability for your dates here: